Hospitality

The Story Behind Indian Delights with Gyanendra Prasad Kar

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive interview with Gyanendra Prasad Kar, Founder, Indian Delights

What inspired you to start Indian Delights, and how has the journey been since its inception?

Indian Delights was born out of a heartfelt desire to offer Dubai’s Indian community a space that feels like home. Living far from one’s homeland often evokes a yearning for familiar tastes and comforting experiences. Our mission was simple yet profound: to bridge that gap by creating a haven where authentic flavors meet warm hospitality. From the outset, our vision extended beyond serving food to curating an experience that evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

The journey has been deeply rewarding. Over time, Indian Delights has grown from a humble idea into a cherished destination for authentic Indian cuisine. The trust and affection of our patrons have been our driving force. Each challenge along the way has been a lesson, and every milestone has reaffirmed our commitment to delivering excellence.

Can you share the story behind choosing Al Karama as the location for your restaurant?

Al Karama, affectionately known as ‘Mini-India,’ is the heart of Dubai’s Indian culture—a vibrant neighborhood bustling with energy and tradition. With its large Indian expatriate community, it felt like the perfect place to plant our roots.

We chose Karama to connect with our audience on a personal level, offering them the comfort of home after long days. The area’s diversity has also allowed us to cater to a broad spectrum of palates, from traditionalists to first-time explorers of Indian cuisine. Its dynamic atmosphere and cultural richness perfectly align with our ethos, making it an integral part of Indian Delights’ story.

How do you strike a balance between traditional Indian flavors and innovative dishes?

Balancing tradition with innovation lies at the core of our culinary philosophy. While we deeply respect the authenticity of Indian cuisine, we also understand the need to adapt and evolve. Our chefs, experienced in diverse culinary traditions, constantly experiment with modern techniques, presentation, and ingredients. This approach allows us to reimagine classics with contemporary twists while preserving their essence. Whether it’s an innovative take on a classic dish or a completely novel creation, our aim is to appeal to purists and adventurers alike, staying relevant and exciting without compromising the soul of Indian cuisine.

With so many Indian restaurants in Dubai, how does Indian Delights stand out in this competitive culinary landscape?

Indian Delights distinguishes itself by offering more than a meal—we provide an experience. From the moment guests step in, they are enveloped in the warmth and familiarity of home. Every dish is meticulously crafted using premium ingredients, ensuring both authenticity and consistency. What truly sets us apart is our inclusiveness and personalized approach. Beyond our in-house dining, we’ve ventured into catering, tiffin services, and event hosting, tailoring our offerings to diverse customer needs. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a grand celebration, we strive to create moments that are as unique as they are memorable. Our commitment to preserving traditional flavors while embracing innovation ensures we remain a trusted name in Dubai’s vibrant culinary landscape.

What role does sourcing premium ingredients play in your menu, and how do you maintain consistency?

Sourcing premium ingredients is the cornerstone of our success. Authenticity begins with quality, and we carefully select every element that goes into our dishes. Our chefs bring expertise from various regions of India, ensuring every dish reflects its roots while meeting our high standards. From preparation to presentation, consistency is a promise we hold dear. This unwavering focus on quality has earned us the trust and loyalty of our patrons.

What’s next for Indian Delights? Are there plans to expand the menu or open new locations in Dubai or beyond?

The future of Indian Delights is rooted in growth and diversification. While new locations aren’t immediately planned, we’ve already expanded our offerings to include catering, tiffin services, and private events. Partnerships with platforms like Careem have also enhanced the accessibility of our food. Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to further enrich our menu and services. Our goal remains steadfast: to be a trusted name for authentic Indian cuisine while continually elevating the dining experience we provide.

What is the one thing you hope every guest takes away from their experience at Indian Delights?

We hope every guest leaves with a sense of warmth, satisfaction, and belonging. More than just a meal, we aim to offer a personal and memorable experience—a place where people can connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

In your opinion, what’s the single most impactful step the hospitality industry can take toward sustainability?

Sustainability begins with mindful operations, from sourcing responsibly to minimizing waste. At Indian Delights, we’ve embraced eco-friendly practices, including sustainable packaging and optimized resource management. A collective industry commitment to these principles can significantly impact the environment while fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation

Hospitality

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

6 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

6 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

6 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing